A family in Oakbank, Man., is mourning the death of their dog, which they say was dragged away and mauled by a wolf near Birds Hill Provincial Park on Tuesday.

Janelle Carlson still can't believe her two-year-old dog Spencer is gone. She and her husband let the chihuahua, miniature-pinscher-cross out of their rural home, about two kilometers from the edge of the park.

They then heard a terrible noise and Carlson's husband ran out.

Manitoba Conservation is investigating to see whether a wolf is responsible for killing Spencer. (Janelle Carlson)

"He heard the dog screaming so when he ran over he was able to see a large wolf from the rear and it was shaking 'cause it was killing the dog," Carlson said.

The wolf, the size of a deer, then dragged the six-kilogram dog away.

The Carlsons ran into the woods in pursuit and found Spencer.

"It's disbelief when you see your pet dead. I tried to revive him, gave him chest compressions, but he was really gone."

Manitoba Conservation officials told CBC News they believe the creature that mauled the dog was a wolf. The department continues to investigate the incident.

Carlson said she does not want to see the wolf put down, she just wants people to be careful.